Packers: Four ways to fix offense after loss to Lions in Week 5
3. Find Jimmy Graham in red zone
The Packers should have one of the most dominant red zone offenses in the league. With Aaron Rodgers’ pinpoint accuracy and the receiving ability of Jimmy Graham, Davante Adams and Marcedes Lewis inside the 10, this offense should score more often than not in the red zone.
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That hasn’t been the case in the opening five games. According to TeamRankings.com, the Packers have scored a touchdown on just 50 percent of their red zone trips, which is the 10th lowest percentage in the league.
Last year the Packers were fourth in this category, despite missing Rodgers for over half the season. With No. 12 back on the field, plus the addition of Graham, there’s no excuse.
Rodgers did look Graham’s way on a back-shoulder pass in the second quarter on Sunday, but was uncharacteristically inaccurate.
Graham has just four red zone targets all year, of which he’s caught two for 16 yards and a touchdown. Graham can have double-digit red zone touchdowns if Rodgers looks his way more often.
Davante Adams’ red zone numbers are more encouraging. He’s turned 10 targets into five receptions for 41 yards and four touchdowns, which is tied for a league-high.
Graham can also have a significant impact in this part of the field. Rodgers needs to trust his six-foot-seven tight end.